Wooden spoons are perfect for stirring, mixing, and sautéing ingredients without damaging your pots and pans.
Wooden spoons not only add a classic touch to the kitchen but also provide a practical solution to your cooking needs.
Have you recently bought them and are wondering if they can be cleaned in the dishwasher?
Sit back and relax while I brief you on whether they can be placed in the dishwasher. I will also share with you the best way to clean, care, maintain, and store your spoons.
Can You Put Wooden Spoons in the Dishwasher?
Dishwasher manufacturers like Whirlpool and Bosch do not recommend putting wooden spoons in the dishwasher.
According to them, the high heat, exposure to water, and harsh detergents can cause the spoons to warp, crack, and lose their effectiveness.
What Happens When You Place Wooden Spoons in the Dishwasher
Wooden spoons are prone to damage when subjected to high temperatures and prolonged exposure to water.
The dishwasher’s environment, with its high heat and forceful jets of water, can cause the wood to absorb excessive moisture, leading to swelling and deformation.
Over time, this can also weaken the wood, making it prone to cracks and splits, where bacteria can multiply. Moreover, the high heat from the dishwasher can cause the wood to warp over time.
Another issue with placing wooden spoons in the dishwasher is the harsh detergents used in the washing process. These detergents strip away the natural oils, causing the wood to be dry and brittle.
One of the appealing qualities of wooden spoons is that they don’t scratch the cookware or pots/pans.
However, the dishwasher’s harsh conditions might compromise this attribute, making them less effective and potentially causing damage to your pots and pans.
Watch the video below for details:
Also read: Do Dishwashers Dull Knives?
The Best Way to Clean Wooden Spoons
Always hand wash your wooden spoons in warm soapy water. A gentle dish soap will effectively remove any food residue or stains without damaging the wood.
After washing, use a cloth to gently scrub the surface, making sure to clean all the edges and crevices where food particles can hide.
Avoid using steel wool or abrasive cleaners, as they can scratch and damage the wood.
Rinse your wooden spoons thoroughly under warm water, removing all soap residue.
Bosch recommends cleaning wooden utensils with lemon and salt. Rub half a lemon with coarse salt all over the wood. Wait for 10 mins for the salt to act.
Clean away the salt with the other half of the lemon and wash with water.
In some cases, you may need to perform a deep clean using a solution of water and a mild bleaching agent such as white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or baking soda.
This mixture will gently remove stubborn stains or residue without harming the wood. Soak the spoons in the solution for about 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and allow them to air dry.
Watch the best way to clean your wooden spoons here:
Also read: Are Yeti Cups Dishwasher Safe?
How to Care and Maintain Wooden Spoons
Wooden spoons require special care as they expand and contract based on moisture levels. Follow the steps below to keep them in excellent condition:
Always hand wash your wooden spoons with warm soapy water after using them.
Avoid soaking them in water, as prolonged exposure to moisture can cause the wood to swell and eventually crack.
After washing, immediately dry the wooden spoons using a clean towel. This will prevent water from soaking into the wood.
Secondly, it’s important to moisturize your wooden spoons regularly with natural oils or food-grade oil, such as mineral oil, olive oil, or coconut oil.
This will help maintain the wood’s natural moisture and prevent it from becoming overly dry, which can cause the wood to crack and split.
Simply apply a small amount of oil onto a cloth and gently rub it onto the wooden spoon. Allow the oil to fully absorb and dry before using the spoon again.
In addition to using oil, you can also protect your wooden spoons with a mixture of beeswax and oil.
This combination will create a protective barrier that prevents moisture from penetrating the wood, ensuring that your wooden spoons stay in great condition for a longer time.
Also read: Are Air Fryer Parts Dishwasher Safe?
How to Store Wooden Spoons
Here are some tips to store your wooden spoons correctly:
Dry Thoroughly
Always dry your wooden spoons before storing them. After washing, either air dry or gently pat the utensils with a clean cloth to remove excess moisture.
Allowing your wooden spoons to air dry in a well-ventilated area can help prevent the growth of bacteria or mold.
A good practice is to place them on a drying rack or stand them upright in a container. This helps them to be spaced apart for proper air circulation.
Cool and Dry Place
Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources like a stovetop. Prolonged exposure to sunlight or heat can cause the wood to crack and warp.
Designate a kitchen drawer or a utensil holder for your wooden spoons, allowing them to rest horizontally or vertically. This will help to maintain their shape and quality.
Dont Overcrowd
Avoid overcrowding your wooden spoons with other kitchen utensils.
Ample space between items reduces the risk of scratches or damage and ensures that your spoons remain in good condition. Consider using a utensil divider or partitioned storage container to separate different types of utensils.
Also read: How to Organize Baking Pans?
Types of Wooden Spoons
The material of the wooden spoons plays a crucial role in their quality and performance.
Understanding the benefits of each type of wood ensures you make the best choice for your kitchen needs:
Oak Wooden Spoons
Oak is a dense, solid wood that makes for strong and durable wooden utensils. This type of wood is resistant to warping, making it long-lasting.
Oak spoons are great for stirring and are safe for your non-stick cookware.
Walnut Wooden Spoons
Walnut is a hardwood that offers both durability and beauty. The dark grain of walnut gives these spoons an elegant appearance.
These spoons are ideal for cooking as they are sturdy and remain cool.
Bamboo Spoons
Bamboo is an eco-friendly material that is light, sturdy, and heat resistant, making it an excellent choice for wooden kitchenware.
Bamboo spoons are resistant to stains and odors, thus ideal for everyday cooking tasks.
Pine Wooden Spoons
Pine is a lightweight softwood, making it easy to handle during cooking. Pine spoons might not be as durable as other hardwood options.
Maple Wooden Spoons
Maple spoons are made from a hard, close-grained wood that offers excellent durability. These spoons are resistant to wear, making them perfect for heavy-duty kitchen tasks.
Maple utensils are also known for their smooth finish and natural sheen.
Also read: How to Get Rust Off Kitchen Knives
Best Wooden Spoons for Cooking
Here, we will introduce you to two best-selling wooden spoons and their benefits, features, and reasons why they stand out.
Epicurean Kitchen Series Spoon
The Epicurean Kitchen Series Spoon is a highly recommended wooden spoon. Made of composite material, this spoon does not crack, fade, stain, or split.
It is sturdy and highly heat-resistant. With its long handle, deep bowl, and beveled edge, this wooden spoon provides a comfortable and efficient cooking experience.
NAYAHOSE Wooden Spoons
Another popular choice among cooking enthusiasts is the NAYAHOSE Wooden Spoons.
These include wooden spoons, spatulas, and a salad fork, all made from high-quality natural wood.
The utensils are handcrafted to ensure durability and resistance to deformation. Due to their non-stick nature, they are perfect for use with non-stick pans, preserving the life of your cookware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions:
What are the Benefits of Using Wooden Spoons?
Wooden spoons have several advantages in the kitchen. They are gentle on cookware, don’t conduct heat, and won’t scratch non-stick surfaces.
Additionally, they are durable and add a rustic touch to your kitchen’s aesthetic.
Can Wooden Spoons be Submerged in Boiling Water?
Although wooden spoons can handle high temperatures, it is not recommended to submerge them in boiling water for extended periods.
Prolonged exposure to water can weaken the wood and cause it to warp or develop cracks.
How to Disinfect Wooden Spoons?
To disinfect wooden spoons, mix a solution of one part white vinegar with four parts water.
Soak the spoon in the solution for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a towel.
For added protection, you can also rub the spoon with food-grade mineral oil to maintain the wood’s natural moisture.
How Do You Clean Wooden Spoons with Baking Soda?
If your wooden spoon has stubborn stains or odors, you can create a paste of baking soda and a few drops of water.
Apply the paste to the spoon with a soft cloth or sponge, scrub gently, then rinse clean with water. Allow the spoon to air dry before storing.
When Should I Replace My Wooden Spoons?
You should replace wooden spoons when they are cracked, chipped, or have developed an unpleasant odor that cannot be removed.
Regular maintenance, such as hand washing and oiling the wood, can extend the life of your wooden spoons.
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